Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Chargers in Week 6

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts to sacking Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers late in the fourth quarter en route to the Raiders 19-16 win over Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 08: Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers sacks Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 8, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Marshall Newhouse vs. Joey Bosa

Since being drafted No. 3 overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016, Joey Bosa has proven himself to be one of the best young pass-rushers in the league. Coming off of a 10.5-sack rookie season in which he only played 12 games, Bosa already has 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble this season, including a two-sack game last week.

While the Raiders are often considered to have one of the best offensive lines in the league, there have been some holes this season. Oakland’s offensive line has allowed 12 sacks through the first five games of the season, including three last week against the Baltimore Ravens. In 2016, the Raiders ranked first in the league in sacks allowed, only giving up 18 sacks total during the regular season. There was only a single game in 2016 in which the Raiders allowed more than two sacks. That game was Week 5 against the Chargers.

Protecting the quarterback needs to be a priority for the Raiders. If Derek Carr is back from injury, it needs to be a priority to protect him to prevent aggravating his back injury into something more serious. If Carr is still out and E.J. Manuel is behind center, the line needs to give him time to make plays as he isn’t as fast getting the ball out as Carr.

Either way, Bosa is the target to the block. Not only is Bosa the best pass rusher on the team, but he has shown it against Oakland. In two career games against Oakland, Bosa already has three sacks.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders